Hume has been Fox News’ top anchor and political analyst since the network’s inception 12 years ago, when he joined after leaving ABC News. He began anchoring 6 p.m. newscast Special Report during the Clinton impeachment.

He'll give up daily anchor duties on Special Report and also step down as the network's Washington managing editor, according to a report in the Washington Post.

It's unclear whether Special Report, the top-rated cable news show at 6 p.m., will continue or who might take over as anchor.

Hume will remain at the network as a senior political analyst contributing to special-event coverage and may occasionally fill in for Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday.

Hume, who just turned 65, has made no secret of his desire for a semi-retirement deal in his next contract, and such agreements are not unusual for news anchors.

A Fox News spokesperson said the network does not comment on contract negotiations as a matter of policy.